Friday Foreplay – Gameweek 8

Captain Picks

Cazorla: He’s been delicious to watch and has the statistics to back his Fantasy value. He’s sixth in total shots (19), second in total chances created (26), leads the league in total final third passes (230), is fourth in total passes (561), and leads the league in total through balls (14). In short, he offers a varied and consistent Fantasy potential, with assists, goals, and bonus points all likely each game.

Van Persie: Despite a lacklustre last game Van Persie delivered an assist and now has only two games in seven for Manchester United where he delivered less than four points. Both of those games he came on as a substitute. Those are some convincing numbers. Stoke have only conceded five goals this season, with four away from home. If United score, chances are Van Persie will be involved.

Suarez: If only he didn’t have the lowest clear cut chance conversion in the league (17%). If only more than on of this 18 chances created would have been converted. If only. Suarez is a frustrating Fantasy player but the potential is there and some. Against Reading, who have conceded on average 2.33 goals per game, I’m betting on Suarez getting so many chances that he’s bound to score.

Big Hitters

Berbatov is still a doubt according to the Fantasy game but should start according to most reports. He has two goals, an assist, and six bonus points in his two starts for Fulham. He’s an outside captain’s pick for a those looking for a differential.

I think Aguero will be the Premier League’s top scorer this season and improve on his away game form from last season. His Gameweek 1 injury derailed the bid for the Golden Boot but he has two goals in his last two games an will surely be Mancini’s main striker.

Michu was the first bandwagon of the season who many lost faith with after three blank Gameweeks in a row. He scored again last Gameweek and should be a decent mid-priced midfielder throughout the season. He has 14 shots (16th in the league) and 12 chances created (23rd in the league), so his output hasn’t been a fluke. Don’t expect a return to his early season Fantasy form but do expect goal or an assist this Gameweek against Wigan.

Pienaar’s sales have skyrocketed since the news of Fellaini’s injury. He offers the cheap way into an excellent Everton side, while still offering excellent goal and especially assist potential. He’s seventh in the league in total chances created (20), of which three have been converted already.

Newcastle have only kept one clean sheet all season. Fletcher is the Sunderland player most likely to capitalize on Newcastle’s defensive injuries. He has an impressive chance conversion rate of 50% which has enabled him to score five goals despite Sunderland’s inability to create more than 10 chances for him.

Clean Sheets

Everton don’t even have to keep a clean sheet to make Baines a great play. QPR have only scored more than one goal in one game this season and Everton’s strong back four has a good chance of keeping them at bay.

Fulham’s Hangeland, ever-present at centre back, offers some threat in set plays. You could save 0.5 and go for Hughes instead, if you want to spend the money elsewhere.

Manchester United’s Rafael is rising in price, and for a good reason. He offers threat going forward in a United team getting their second clean sheet last Gameweek. Ferguson set up the team to be more conservative and has spoken about the need to focus more on the defensive side of United’s game.

Punts

Jarvis will be hoping that Southampton’s abysmal defensive record continues in their away game against West Ham. He’s fast and is tasked with supplying crosses to Carroll.

Kone isn’t exactly an unknown anymore, with three goals and two assists this season. He is, however, only selected by 0.6% of Fantasy manager’s and a decent differential pick if you are looking for a cheap third striker.

Holt’s physical strength should come in handy against a nimble Arsenal team. He has goals in each of his last two games which should have convinced his manager to reinstate him to the starting eleven.